Each year, Boeing gives awards to individuals and teams who create intellectual property most valuable to Boeing and aerospace. In 2011, out of hundreds of nominations, 20 inventions were recognized, most of which have been granted patents or are awaiting them.

From the West Coast are three Chinese American inventor honorees.

Che-Hang Charles Ih, 58, is part of a team that invented an approach being protected as a trade secret. He lives in Southern California.

Jian Li, 49, was part of a team that invented disbond resistant composite joint and method of forming it. He lives in Arizona.

Fenfei “Bruce” Wang, 48, invented an aerospace method being protected as a trade secret. He lives in Western Washington. (end)